Investigation of the effect of using Web 2.0 tools in social studies lesson on students gaining historical empathy and sensitivity to cultural heritage

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of using web 2.0 tools in primary school 4th grade Social Studies course on students' historical empathy skills and sensitivity to cultural heritage, and to determine students' views on these practices. The study group of the research consists of 17 primary school students studying in the 4th grade of a public primary school in the Bolvadin district of Afyonkarahisar in the fall semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Mixed methods research was used in the research. Embedded design was used in the quantitative part of the research, and case study design was used in the qualitative part. In order to obtain quantitative data, a pretest post-test single-group quasi-experimental design was used. Historical Empathy Scale developed by Çalışkan and Demir (2019) and Cultural Heritage Sensitivity Scale developed by Halaç, Gürdoğan-Bayır and Çengelci-Köse (2021) were used as data collection tools in the research. Qualitative data in the research were obtained from the diaries kept by the researcher and students during the research, and from the semistructured interview form developed by the researcher. As a result of the research; Web 2.0 applications did not make a statistically significant difference according to the Historical Empathy Scale. In the results of the Cultural Heritage Sensitivity Scale, it was concluded that although there was no significant difference in the dimension of curiosity and protection, there was a significant difference in favor of the post-test scores in the total score of the scale and the transfer dimension. In addition, in line with the opinions of the students participating in the research on web 2.0 applications, the students stated that they prepared activities with web 2.0 tools, that the application process was fun and enjoyable, that they provided permanent learning with web 2.0 tools, that the sense of empathy, cooperation, our culture should be preserved and transferred to future generations. Keywords: Sensitivity to cultural heritage, historical empathy, web 2.0, 4th grade social studies course